Cleveland Junior School pupils wave their flags ahead of the Queen's arrival in Valentines Park, Redbridge
Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Ilford visit - Final preparations made in Valentines Park
Alistair Kleebauer, Senior reporter
Thursday, March 29, 2012
9:20 AM
Crowds are gathering in Valentines Park ahead of the Queen’s historic visit today.
The Recorder team are on hand in the park to bring the latest news ahead of the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s arrival at 10.25am.
Early arrivals have been there since 7.30am as final security arrangements were made and parks staff did a last-minute tidy-up.
Thousands are expected to gather and line a route within the park leading to Valentines Mansion where the couple will view an art exhibition.
Susan Groom, 46, was there early with her son Ronnie, 6, who they hope is going to get the chance to speak to Her Majesty.
Susan said: “She will be coming in to see us in the blue area.
“We’ve known about it for three to four weeks and we were told the invite would come through the post.
“He made a flower from pipe cleaners for her as she won’t have to look after and keep it forever.
“I’m dying to ask her if she’s a West Ham fan.
“I’ve painted my toes in claret and blue specially.”
Lindsay Sharrier, 47, of LK Lily florists in Beehive Lane, Gants Hill, is looking forward to the event as she made a posey to be presented to the monarch.
She said: “It was my life’s ambition to make flowers for the Queen.”
Follow our live blog below throughout the day as our team bring the latest news from the park. And follow our tweets @ilfordrecorder.
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